ViiV Healthcare Canada general manager Gregory Reinaud said: "Until we have a cure for HIV, we need new or different HIV medicines for patients. Everyone at ViiV is very proud that we can now offer Canadian physicians and patients living with HIV the first single-pill regimen containing dolutegravir.

"Today's approval of Triumeq also demonstrates our continued commitment to developing and providing new treatment options."

In September, ViiV Healthcare received marketing authorisation from the European Commission (EC) for Triumeq to treat HIV in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older, and weighing, on average, 40kg.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Triumeq in August. Dolutegravir obtained US approval in August 2013, while Europe's approval came in January under the brand name Tivicay.